Friday, October 31, 2008

The Gospel reading for the observation of Reformation Day was John 8:31-36. Here, Jesus tells the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

The latest devotional resource from Concordia Publishing House has arrived, and in my opinion, you won’t find a better one—anywhere. The challenge of flipping from one book to another has been removed, as the Treasury of Daily Prayer is “one stop shopping” at its best: psalmody, full Old and New Testament reading, devotional writing from the Church Fathers, hymnody, prayers, full liturgies, and more!

Quoting from the box in which it came: “Whether use by individuals, families, or small groups, the Treasury embraces the centuries-old practice of daily structured devotion and prayer. Thus this conversation with God, rooted in His Word, becomes again for His people a means to sanctify and mark time, placing our minutes and days in the context of eternity.”

Thursday, October 02, 2008

I teach a morning Bible class in which we are going through the different topics covered in "The Lutheran Difference" series by CPH. The current topic: Law and Gospel. Today's lesson talked about the application of the Word--Preaching, Baptism and the Lord's Supper. I was trying to make the point about the Pastor as a Gift, the whole "Gospel Guy," or "Absolution Man" idea. This is the idea that God has given the church pastors to ensure that God's people would be given the Word, that is, Christ.

So here's my question: How do you teach this without sounding like you are blowing your own horn?

One approach is to affirm my senior. But there I am, trying not to talk about myself, but to focus on the office. But then, there I am, the guy (or one of the guys) in the office in this place, and it is difficult not to sound like I'm puffing myself up.